Photo Friday – White Wisteria

In last week’s Photo Friday post, I promised you more wisteria this week, and I hope that you enjoy it as much as you did last week’s purple blooms. Around here, purple wisteria seems almost like a weed – it pops up any and every where. When I was looking for blossoms to shoot, I could have had any pick of the more common purple, but finding those white blooms was much more difficult. I think I drove around for an hour or so looking for a spot where I could safely pull over and shoot to my heart’s content.

There is something so graceful and delicate about it, isn’t there?

I am still searching for beauty. If you were here for this week’s (Almost) Wordless Wednesday post, you know that I am heart-broken over Mississippi’s adoption of a “Religious Freedom” law. On Wednesday I was more hopeful than I am today. As I read the defenses of the law, I am struck by the inescapable truth that this law has ardent supporters. I’ve read a post from a legislator that is so combative and ugly in tone that it makes me ill. When I read the earnest responses – that to me sound a lot like the justifications used to discriminate against African Americans – I know that we have an incredibly long way to go.

In my classroom today, my students and I watched the Smithsonian documentary about the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We talked about King’s opposition to the Vietnam War, and how that damaged his reputation. We talked about the differing positions and strategies within the Civil Rights movement and how that created discord. We discussed how a loss of privilege can engender much fear and how that fear can lead to dark and terrible places…as evidenced by Mississippi’s history during the Civil Rights movement.

In the last couple of days, we’ve had discussions about HB1523. I have a bit more latitude in my classroom because no one much expects anything to come of my students and as long as I keep them under control and managed, we are free to do a lot of what we want, which means we have some pretty frank talks. I find myself walking a narrow path – trying to balance my own beliefs with a respect for the traditions and beliefs that inform the lives of my students, my outrage and disgust with a need to acknowledge for my students what I believe to be very sincere belief of some as well as the darker, uglier intents that informed the bill in the first place.

I was hopeful on Wednesday. I thought that I could look for beauty, take consolation in the thought that there are so many who see this bit of hatred for what it is, and while I am still doing that, I find it much more difficult to be that naive. My belief that this law is unconstitutional has not wavered, but I suppose I am realizing that in this place, even when the law is struck down, it won’t really matter much.

In Mississippi, I have worked in public schools where prayer is broadcast over the loudspeakers in the morning and before lunch. I’ve worked in schools where my administrators opened faculty meetings and professional development with prayer. It doesn’t seem like much, does it? Harmless, yes? Except when it is not your belief. I remained in those positions without saying a word because I needed a job – my family needed the support of my paycheck – but when I could move on to another position, I did so. Children in those schools don’t have the same options, and for those pious Christians who believe that they are simply doing nothing wrong, they cannot fathom how alienating their actions are.

And when I remember that, I know that changing a law only gives some recourse to those who are imperiled. it does not change hearts and minds and in fact may well harden them for a generation or two.

We have woven a terrible web, and my soul is worried for us. I think of the children I have taught who are members of the LGBT community, struggling with their place in the world, and know that in Mississippi and other parts of this country, we are doing our children, our fellow man, and our future a disservice. I will continue to use my voice to advocate for them…and us…because when we discriminate against others – regardless of the reason for it – we are lesser. I had hoped that Mississippi had learned that lesson., There are many of use who have, but unfortunately we continue to be drown out by those determined to repeat the past.

Forgive the ache in my soul. I know that traditionally, Photo Friday posts are a celebration of the beauty I find in Mississippi. I find it still, but I cannot ignore the ugliness that is part and parcel of that beauty.

Welcome to another edition of the Photo Friday link-up! I’m so excited to see what you have to share with us this week, and I’m blown away by what you shared with us last week. Our most viewed link came from Kathy at You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out. Kathy took us to the National Holocaust Museum in Washington DC, which is an incredibly powerful experience. If you’ve not been, I hope you get the chance to go. In the meantime, you can vicariously experience it through Kathy’s lens.

The final link last week came from Patrick at Adventures in Weseland, who took us to Auburn, CA. (Fun fact – many years ago when I lived in Reno, NV, we used to make pilgrimages to Auburn because they had the nearest In n’ Out hamburger. It was a great little ride through the mountains on the motorcycle). If you missed some of the posts added after yours, consider going back and taking a look at them. there is some great work out there!

Without further ado, it’s time to share! Thanks for joining us again this week!

I send love and support with a heavy heart…thank you for being who you are and doing the best you can for the kids you teach. Thanks too for doing your best to lift us up via your gorgeous blooms! DenyseDenyse Whelan Blogs recently posted…Rock Platform Finds. 366/99.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen white wisteria, it’s so lovely, with a blush of purple. There is a lot of ugliness in this world, and a lot of differing opinions about what is ugly. I hope you will continue to seek both truth and beauty. Thank you for sharing these beautiful images, Jen!June recently posted…Inspired by . . . Psalm 128

Beautiful photos. I’m really missing all the flowers since arriving back from England. Can’t wait to get out in my yard but it’s at least another month here. Although, I do have crocuses!

Appreciate your heartfelt words, too. And am grateful that there are caring people, such as yourself, in the teaching profession looking out for all our kids. Thank you.Ruth recently posted…The South Coast: The Iceland Experience

Great words that you said. I work at the opposite end of the spectrum with religion in schools. I am not an overly religious person but I have own beliefs. One thing that I do like is Guideposts magazine. It helps me out in teaching. I don’t use in teaching but I have the latest copy in my bag, it helps after a tough class or day just to be inspired. Anyway, I had put a copy in my desk and a co-worker (saying he was looking for a pen) found it in my desk (along with some Al-Alon material) and took it admin and saying that I was promoting religion and I was a religious nut (he is an Atheist).

I think that we are listening to the yellers and screamers on both sides. I don’t care who someone sleeps with or things like that. I just care if you have a good character and trying to do the right thing by people and Earth.Patrick Weseman recently posted…Random Phone Pics

Beautiful shots of the wisteria again this week Jen, they are lovely, lovely flowers. Good on you for voicing your concerns and standing up for those whose voices are being drowned out – it’s always empowering and inspiring to hear of others standing up for those who may not be able to and I agree with everything you said – keep up the good fight! Here’s hoping that one day, we can all remember we’re human and that there is less hatred and forcing in this world. – TashaNatasha recently posted…The Favourite Five: Project 365 – March!

Gorgeous blooms! Since your posting last week, I’ve suddenly noticed quite a few in our area.

And, timely post. Though not exactly the same, here in NC we’re dealing with the affects of our new HB2 which is very discriminatory not to mention how sneakily our General Assembly went about it with a special session. I am saddened by how much hate is still in the world and fear for those ‘different.’ I honestly thought we were at a better place, but these recent laws only prove that is wrong.Sarah @ 2paws Designs recently posted…Project 52 Photos: Week 14 – Mischievous

Hi Jen!
I love wisterias. We have a beautiful purple one in our street but we will have to wait for a few weeks until it’s time fot it.
You did a really great job with your link up party my dear! Bravo!!!
See you very soon in the 10/10 , I’ll try to be on time haha!
xx cathy

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I'm a teacher, writer, and photographer capturing the magical moments of life on the Mississippi Gulf Coast - putting my experience as a teacher and educational staff developer to work crafting stories that chronicle an experience well-lived.

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